Sam Thaiday to captain Indigenous team in annual All Stars clash

BRISBANE Broncos captain Sam Thaiday will lead the Indigenous team in next year's All Stars clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Thaiday was confirmed as captain today, while Melbourne, Queensland and Australian captain Cameron Smith will skipper the NRL All Stars.

Johnathan Thurston captained the Indigenous team last year.

The Australian Rugby League Commission confirmed Suncorp Stadium would host the season opener for the first time, tipping a sellout crowd at the 52,500-capacity venue when the fourth annual All Stars clash is held on February 9.

Former Test playmaker Laurie Daley will return as Indigenous All Stars coach while Wayne Bennett will again take up the NRL team's reins.

Each team will boast 20 players with 16 selected by fan vote.

The Rugby League Indigenous Council will appoint the remaining four members of the Indigenous team.

For the NRL All Stars, the Australian and New Zealand skippers receive direct entry while Bennett will pick the remaining two players.